This week’s North West appointments

Jonnie Whittle, Clarion Wealth

Clarion Wealth has appointed Jonnie Whittle as its new managing director.

Having joined the company as a financial planner, Jonnie will now support the growth of the firm, oversee staff development and work to maintain a high-quality service for clients.

Jonnie’s background prior to Clarion includes working as the managing director of a private equity-backed financial planning firm with offices in Manchester and London.

Following the appointment, Clarion founder Ron Walker will continue to advise individual clients as he moves into a more strategic role.

Ron said: “As with every strategic decision at Clarion, our clients and the comprehensive service we provide them with always comes first.

“Jonnie’s promotion is a natural fit for the future vision of Clarion ensuring we continue to deliver the same high-quality, personal service to clients that I have focused on over the last 30 years.”

He added: “With Jonnie managing the day to day running of the firm, I will have more opportunity to concentrate on the long-term vision for Clarion.”

Jonnie commented: “Under Ron’s guidance, the firm has established itself as a life-long partner for many successful business owners and I look forward to continuing this as we move in to 2018 in a stronger position than ever before.

“Clarion’s greatest asset is the amount of emphasis that is placed on the interaction between personal and professional affairs, it is this unique focus that has allowed us to go from strength to strength – and this is something I will continue to emphasise.”

Sara Wilde McKeown, Liverpool City Region LEP

The Liverpool City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has appointed the managing director of communications firm Influential.

Sara Wilde McKeown, who is also Liverpool City Region Mayoral Advisor for Visitor Economy to Steve Rotheram, is now a member of the LEP’s board.

Before Influential, Sara worked as commercial managing director of publisher Trinity Mirror’s regional newspaper group.

She also previously chaired the Mersey Waterfront Regional Park regeneration scheme.

LEP chair Asif Hamid MBE said of the appointment: “The LEP continues to attract the highest calibre of business leaders from across the private sector, so I am delighted to welcome Sara to join the board.

“The depth, diversity and wealth of Sara’s experience will be a tremendous asset to us and we all look and forward to working with her to drive the economy forward.”

Sara Wilde McKeown commented: “I am delighted to be joining the LEP board at such an important point in the city region’s economic development.

“The visitor economy is crucial to the city region’s economic success creating thousands of additional jobs and business opportunities as a result of our national and international visitor appeal.”

She continued: “However, it is also key to the wider attractiveness of the City Region as a place to live, work, study and invest and I look forward to working with the LEP Board to ensure we maximise the wider benefits that the visitor economy can bring.”

Five appointments, Recom Solutions

Salford Quays-based construction project management consultancy Recom Solutions has made five appointments.

Sarah Leadbetter (pictured) joined the business in the role of associate director from Deloitte Real Estate’s Manchester office.

Jordan Stent, Recom’s newest project manager, previously worked at companies including AECOM and Lend Lease.

The other new arrivals are office co-ordinator Michelle Woods and trainee project managers Jessica Haslam and Mark Tobin.

Director Jason McKnight, who founded Recom with business partner Joseph Dillon in 2012, said: “We are delighted to welcome all five new members of staff as we strengthen our team and structure in line with the continued growth of the business.

“Sarah, Jordan and Michelle have excellent track records in their fields, and we are thrilled to have Jessica and Mark with us as we look to nurture our own talent for the future.”

He added: “We expect to recruit further in 2018 as our expansion continues.”

Jeff Cummins, MSIF

Funding provider MSIF has announced the appointment of a portfolio manager.

Jeff Cummins will work alongside portfolio director Marion Savill, taking responsibility for MSIF’s relationships with businesses where there is an existing equity investment.

He will also work on new opportunities alongside the current investment team.

Jeff previously worked for NatWest for 38 years, predominantly in the Liverpool City Region.

MSIF CEO Lisa Greenhalgh said: “I’m really happy to welcome Jeff to the team.

“He brings with him a great deal of knowledge and contacts and will make a great addition to MSIF.”

Throughout December and into January, Jeff will head up an MSIF Roadshow as it travels around the Liverpool City Region visiting local SME and support hubs.

Alex Gamil, ACTUA Chartered Surveyors

ACTUA, the chartered building surveyor and commercial property consultancy, has given its North West team a boost with its latest appointment.

Alex Gamil joined the company as an associate building surveyor, following two years with engineering consultancy Atkins.

Bringing more than 12 years’ experience to her new role, Alex will oversee all aspects of team management, in addition to condition surveys, measured surveys, space planning, feasibility studies, design and specification.

Alex said: “I am very pleased to join the ACTUA team in Liverpool and really look forward to working with its established client base.

“ACTUA is well known for its work in education and healthcare in particular, so I am keen to immerse myself in these sectors further.”

She continued: “Also, although the company is involved with some really high-profile commissions and has grown considerably in recent years, the team always manages to provide a high quality service with a personal, bespoke approach, which is really appealing to clients.”

ACTUA director David Sharp commented: “We’ve had a really strong year winning a number of significant new projects which has resulted in continued growth.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Alex on-board as she’s a natural fit within the team and we’re sure her extensive experience of the industry will be an asset as we look ahead, to what we hope, will be another successful twelve months.”